Talk about hiking or trekking and people will start to warn you – Hey! Don’t forget to pack that essential. Remember, this essential is also necessary. Oh! You cannot go without those important items while hiking.

But somehow they tend to forget to tell you the importance of right clothing when hiking. For those who don’t know, the correct type of clothing plays a major part in deciding whether you’ll have an enjoyable experience or a ruined one. Choosing the right ones not only includes the type of items you should put on, but you also need to consider a few factors while selecting any garment. One must remember that wrong clothes can lead to discomfort and result in an uncomfortable walk.

We’ve researched by putting together a short and informative guide on what to pick while hiking during a particular season. Let’s begin.

Choose By The Season

Of course, you won’t be hiking in the same season every year. So, let’s get started with – how to dress up according to the specific season.

Spring and Fall: The clothing needs for both these seasons are quite similar. Starting with the footwear, hiking boots are considered the best as compared to hiking sandals or sneaker due to the fluctuating temperature conditions. You never know when there are muddy trails or melting snow or rain. Not only these boots keep your feet dry (if you have the waterproof ones), but also provide maximum support and traction over most surfaces.

Besides this, a windproof and waterproof jacket is a must for those unpredictable climate conditions. For proper layering, you need a short or long-sleeve wicking garment as a base layer and a long-sleeve hiking shirt as the mid-layer. Getting a fleece jacket with zip-up closure can be a great addition for chilly weather. You can always wear convertible pants, so in case of warm daytime, you can zip them off and move freely. And don’t forget to wear a hat for the protection of your eyes and head.

Summer: Hiking is summer is the favourite time of a great number of hikers as this season gives them a wide choice of clothing. You don’t have to carry many layers to take on and off according to the season. But here comes the catch, one should be aware of the environmental risks such as snakes or poisonous plants and of course, the terrain when selecting clothes for summer hiking.

Sneakers and hiking sandals are an ideal choice for most terrain, but you’ll still need hiking boots for a long journey. While selecting hiking socks, bottoms, and shirts, see that they are made of breathable and wicking fabrics to keep moisture and sweat away. Choose light-coloured clothes as they’ll absorb less heat and keep your body dry and cool. A wide-brimmed hat would be the ultimate choice for your neck and face.

Winter: Winter hiking is a whole different challenge when it is about correct clothing and some extra efforts need to be made if you enjoy the winter beauty without any troubles. Proper layering is the only solution to happy and safe hiking in winter. The base layer should include wool or synthetic clothes that are known for their insulating properties. The mid-layer should be insulating and removable as well. For the outer layer, you need a waterproof and windproof garment. Protect your feet by getting warm wicking socks, quality hiking boots, a beanie hat made of wool or synthetic, and warm gloves for a comfortable hike.

Besides this, comfortable and the perfect fit of clothes should also be considered. The right type of fabric according to the season will make sure your skin won’t feel irritated while walking. So make sure you have all the points clear in your mind before you go shopping for your coming adventurous trip.